Living in a History Museum: Williamsburg, VA

July 24, 2014

A city with a tourism-based economy, and located not far from other notable places like Washington DC, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, VA, is definitely a destination worth visiting. It’s a college town full of history, with Colonial Williamsburg being a major draw to the area, along with golf, restaurants and other things.

Williamsburg was founded in 1632, and has a lot to offer those who set foot in the city. For the history buff, Colonial Williamsburg beckons you to come explore. It forms one of the points of the historic triangle, and is the largest outdoor living history museum in the US, depicting the lifestyles and culture of the colonial 18th century in American history. Visitors can spend the day interacting with actors dressed in period costume while strolling down streets with meticulously restored historic buildings. Some of the most popular sites to explore are the Governor’s Palace, and Bruton Parish Church. The other two points of the triangle, Jamestown and Yorktown, are also nearby.

Depending on which season you find yourself visiting the city, there are all kinds of activities to take advantage of. Just recently, the town held its New Year’s celebrations, including prix fixe dinners, FirstNightWilliamsburg, and skating on Sullivan Square. Spring in Williamsburg is beautiful too, with Historic Garden Week taking place and bright blooms lining the Colonial Parkway.

For the avid golfer, this area is an up and coming hot spot for the sport. The area hosts over a dozen courses designed by some of the most notable architects (like Rees Jones and Arnold Palmer, to name a few), and the greens are beautifully landscaped. The challenging holes have a backdrop of scenic woodlands and rolling hills.

There’s a chance you may find yourself hungry while in Williamsburg, and its many restaurants provide lots options for your dining mood. In the Triangle you’ll find a wide range of dining options, including a bunch of 18th century taverns, like King’s Arms Tavern. Or, try Fat Canary, another Williamsburg favorite. The restaurant has won the AAA 4 Diamond award for the past 7 years, and serves a seasonal menu that changes regularly. Items like duck, lamb and King Salmon have appeared on the menu, and could be on the menu when you stop in for a bite.

For a different kind of dining experience, try A Chef’s Kitchen. You’ll take away more than just a full belly from this restaurant; in fact, at A Chef’s Kitchen, diners learn how to make the recipes of the multi-course meal they are being served at the same time. The meal is completed with what the restaurant call a “great find” wine.

The possibilities in Williamsburg are endless. Whether you’re looking for a unique meal, brushing up on some American history, playing golf, or enjoying their seasonal activities, there’s plenty to do in this city. There’s even the chance you might want to make this city your home.